Rihanna to design a collection for River Island

Rihanna leaves her hotel in London wearing a Stella McCartney jacket-dress in March 2012. Photo: Rex

After much speculation, River Island has finally confirmed that Rihanna will be designing a collection for them, but we'll have to wait until spring 2013 to see the sartorial fruits of the pop star's labour.

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"I've been wanting to design my own collection for some time. River Island is the perfect partner for me to collaborate with and working with a British, family run business also really appealed to me. I find London really inspiring and River Island loves to have fun with clothes. I'm looking forward to working with them and creating something really special," says Rihanna.

Rihanna at River Island's London HQ earlier this year. Photo: River Island/Twitter

Rumours began when Riri was spotted at River Island's London HQ at the end of February, and she then tweeted a photo of herself wearing a Rolling Stones T-shirt she had chosen from the shop. She later
confirmed in March
that she was planning a debut clothing line, telling Ryan Seacrest: "I'm really pursuing a fashion line of my own. I want to design. This is also a road that I want to earn it. So I'm working with designers. Designers that I respect, and [fashion] companies that I respect. I want people to really trust me before I just say 'Buy it, because it's mine.'"

Rihanna wearing her River Island T-shirt. Photo: Rihanna/Instagram

The high street store is evidently delighted with its latest coup too: "We are thrilled to be collaborating with Rihanna and to be the first fashion brand to work with her in this way," said Ben Lewis, River Island's chief executive.

"Rihanna is a style icon; from street to chic she enjoys her fashion. As soon as we started to work together we knew this was a perfect fit. Rihanna will be designing the collection and we will be sharing our fashion experience with her to develop a range her fans will love."

Known for her risqué choice of outfits, we're not sure Rihanna's designs will be particularly family (or office) friendly, but at least the name ought to be catchy - Riri for RI maybe?